New Hampshire archery season offers hunters classic game, including deer, turkey, pheasant, and small game. However, you have options for larger species like moose and black bears in the “Granite State.”
New Hampshire (NH) Archery Season, 2022-2023
New Hampshire features over 200,000 acres of federal public land, with over 750,000 acres in the White Mountain National Forest. Most of this area is accessible, and hunters benefit from legal hunting on Sundays and many government hunting programs.
When does Archery Season Start in NH?
New Hampshire Deer Seasons
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Archery September 15-December 15*
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Youth Weekend October 22-23
*Seasons may close early in some areas. Hunters require deer permits with a one-bag limit. Antlerless and antlered deer may be harvested in the same season dates. Some regions have different regulations.
New Hampshire Black Bear Seasons
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General Season September 1-November 8*
*New Hampshire has varying dates by area. New Hampshire prohibits the use of chocolate for bear bait.
New Hampshire Moose Seasons
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General Season October 15-23
*Moose harvests are regulated by lottery permits. Being selected for a moose lottery hunt is rare.
New Hampshire Wild Turkey Seasons
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Fall Archery September 15-December 15*
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Spring General Season May 1-31
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Spring 2023 Youth Season April 29-30
*Season dates vary by region. Wild turkey permits are for spring and fall turkey seasons.
New Hampshire Small Game Seasons
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Snowshoe Hare and Rabbit October 1-March 31
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Gray Squirrel September 1-January 31
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Ruffed Grouse October 1-December 31
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Quail October 1-December 31
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Chukar October 1-December 31
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Hungarian Partridge October 1-December 31
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Ring-necked Pheasant October 1-December 31
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Crow August 15-November 30 / March 16-31
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Woodcock October 1-November 14
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in New Hampshire?
Authorized hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset. Baiting wildlife in New Hampshire has specific rules in the Fis 300 section of the NH Code of Administrative Rules.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in NH
Hunters can visit the New Hampshire Department of Game and Fish website for more details on purchasing hunting permits and licenses.
New Hampshire Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 90 days. All residents aged 18 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents must purchase a Habitat Management & Access Validation and Habitat Stamp.
Youth Hunting Licenses
New Hampshire residents and non-residents under 18 need a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents under 18 can buy a reduced-fee hunting license. Additional privileges or permits may be required to hunt specific game species.
Senior Hunting Licenses
New Hampshire residents aged 65 or older can buy a reduced-fee license.
Disability Licenses
Physical disabilities qualify residents for a reduced-fee Resident Handicapped License.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in New Hampshire can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is New Hampshire residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave.
New Hampshire residents on active duty are eligible for free Game-Hunting and Fishing Licenses for a year following their return to the state. Resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for free lifetime Game-Hunting and Fishing Licenses.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a New Hampshire Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
New Hampshire hunting licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 from the date of purchase. Species permits are valid during authorized seasons.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
